Composite stringer and skin panel assembly machine

Abstract

A machine (20) for positioning a jig (22) relative to another surface (28) is disclosed. The machine includes a truss (24) for supporting the jig. A support stand (26) connected to each end of the truss supports the truss at a first position spaced apart from the surface, and at a second position adjacent the surface. Each support stand includes a first linear movement assembly (72) and (74) for respectively acting upon the first and second ends of the truss to move the truss from the first position to the second position, and from the second position to the first position. Each support stand additionally includes a rotating assembly (48) for rotating the truss along an axis substantially passing through both ends of the truss.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A system for aligning a first composite part relative to a second composite part, comprising: (a) a jig for supporting a first composite part, the jig having a plurality of alignment pins projecting therefrom;   (b) a mandrel for supporting a second composite part, the mandrel having a plurality of alignment holes for receiving the alignment pins;   (c) a truss for supporting the jig, the truss having first and second ends; and   (d) a first support stand connected to the first end of the truss and a second support stand connected to the second end of the truss for moving the truss toward and away from the mandrel each support stand including first linear movement means, the first linear movement means of the first support stand and the first linear movement means of the second support stand acting on the first and second ends of the truss to move the truss toward and away from said mandrel, said mandrel being mounted for free movement in directions perpendicular to the movement of the truss toward and away from the mandrel by the first linear movement means.   
     
     
       2. The system of claim 1, wherein each support stand also includes rotation means, for rotating the truss along an axis substantially passing through both ends of the truss. 
     
     
       3. The system of claim 2 wherein said first and second support stands also include second linear movement means for moving the truss along a path of travel generally parallel to an axis passing through both ends of the truss. 
     
     
       4. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment pins are tapered to facilitate receiving the alignment pins in the alignment holes. 
     
     
       5. The system of claim 4, wherein the alignment pins include a base connected to the jig, a tip located opposite the base, and a bulbous protrusion located between the base and the tip for closely aligning the jig with the mandrel. 
     
     
       6. A system for aligning a first composite part relative to a second composite part, comprising: (a) a jig for supporting a first composite part, the jig having a plurality of alignment pins projecting therefrom;   (b) a mandrel for supporting a second composite part, the mandrel having a plurality of alignment holes for receiving the alignment pins;   (c) a truss for supporting the jig, the truss having first and second ends;   (d) a first support stand connected to the first end of the truss and a second support stand connected to the second end of the truss for moving the truss toward and away from the mandrel each support stand including first linear movement means, the first linear movement means of the first support stand and the first linear movement means of the second support stand acting on the first and second ends of the truss to move the truss toward and away from said mandrel; and   (e) second linear movement means, said second linear movement means for moving the truss along a path of travel generally parallel to an axis passing through both ends of the truss.   
     
     
       7. The system of claim 3, wherein the second linear movement means includes: (a) a ball screw mechanism;   (b) a motor connected to the screw of the ball screw mechanism so as to cause the screw to rotate when the motor is energized; and   (c) a coupling mechanism for coupling the ball of the ball screw mechanism to the rotation means.   
     
     
       8. A system for aligning a first composite part relative to a second composite part, comprising: (a) a jig for supporting a first composite part, the jig having a plurality of alignment pins projecting therefrom;   (b) a mandrel for supporting a second composite part, the mandrel having a plurality of alignment holes for receiving the alignment pins;   (c) a truss for supporting the jig, the truss having first and second ends;   (d) a first support stand connected to the first end of the truss and a second support stand connected to the second end of the truss for moving the truss toward and away from the mandrel each support stand including first linear movement means, the first linear movement means of the first support stand and the first linear movement means of the second support stand acting on the first and second ends of the truss to move the truss toward and away from said mandrel; and   (e) rotation means for rotating the truss along an axis substantially passing through both ends of the truss.   
     
     
       9. The system of claim 8, wherein said first and second support stands each include rotation means and wherein the rotation means of each of said first and second support stands includes: (a) a shaft;   (b) a coupling mechanism for coupling the shall to a related end of the truss; and   (c) a motor connected to the shaft for causing rotation of the shaft.   
     
     
       10. The system of claim 6, wherein the first linear movement means includes: (a) a ball screw mechanism;   (b) a motor connected to the screw of the ball screw mechanism so as to cause the screw to rotate when the motor is energized; and   (c) a coupling mechanism for coupling the ball of the ball screw mechanism to the rotation means.